Artem Case Studies

Quintinshill: Britain's Deadliest Rail Disaster is a landmark documentary, which examines the circumstances surrounding the horrific Quintinshill rail crash of 100 years ago. The documentary uses dramatised reconstructions to illustrate the tragic event.

From the first discussions with the producers, it was clear that the scale of this historic rail disaster - involving five separate trains, taking over 220 lives with hundreds more injured - would require significant practical fire FX and smoke FX in order to replicate the devastation of the crash site. These FX had to be achieved, however, within the constraints of a television factual budget.

Into an Art Department set-build of wreckage, destroyed train carriages and scorched debris, Artem’s SFX team installed practical fire effect rigs and smoke FX equipment on location at Bo’ness and Kinneil, Scotland’s heritage railway and museum. Dramatic 'fireballs', 'raging infernos', close-up flame FX and expansive smoke FX were all used to capture the horror of the scene. Artem’s services included ensuring the complete safety of all crew and extras as well as total protection of the historic trains in use.